The Los Angeles Dodgers came out their an off day with a 2-0 win against the Los Angeles Angels in the series opener of the Freeway Series, riding a strong Clayton Kershaw start, contributions by Will Smith and fortunate Michael Busch single.
Kershaw once more played the role of stopper for the Dodgers as his seven shutout innings were paramount in snapping a three-game losing streak. Kershaw worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the seventh to keep the game scoreless and the Dodgers used that momentum to take a decided lead in the eighth inning.
But prior to that point they needed a strong relay throw from James Outman and quick reaction from Smith to get a tag on Brandon Drury as he attempted to score from first base on Hunter Renfroe’s double.
Home plate umpire Sean Barber called Drury safe but the Dodgers challenged and had it overturned after review.
Will Smith a legend for this.pic.twitter.com/21oqd9tjdv
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) June 21, 2023
Clayton Kershaw knows how to pitch.pic.twitter.com/zMWKkL9zaM
— Dodger Blue (@DodgerBlue1958) June 21, 2023
Michael delivers! pic.twitter.com/HXmDXwj1DR
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 21, 2023
“With the replay, you’re just trying to get a tag anywhere on his body,” Smith said after the win. “Just get it on him as quickly as I can.”
Kershaw added: “Outtie got the ball in and Will did a great job with the short hop and tag. That was obviously a real momentum shifter for us. That was huge.”
The Dodgers proceeded to score in the eighth inning when Busch cashed in Miguel Rojas’ one-out double. Busch hit a chopper to first base that took multiple bounces before shooting over Kevin Padlo’s head on the final hop.
Smith’s two-out RBI single provided insurance.
Dodgers bullpen shuts door
The maligned Dodgers bullpen only needed to cover two innings on Tuesday, but that encompassed Caleb Ferguson facing Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout in the eighth.
Ferguson struck out both All-Stars to complete a 1-2-3 inning. Evan Phillips followed suit in the ninth inning for his eighth save of the season.
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